Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko (2008 original; edició 2008)

The first critical retrospective of the co-creator of Spider-man, Strange and Stranger grants an inside look into the workings and artistic life of this unusual man. Bell successfully argues Ditko's place within the pantheon of great artists while at the same time presenting the many shortcomings of Ditko the person. Ditko's strong adherence to [author:Ayn Rand]'s philosophy of Objectivism ostracized and made a pariah out of the artist. Bell shines light on many diverse corners of the comics industry in an attempt to understand the reclusive Ditko. Lavishly illustrated throughout, Strange and Stranger: The World of [author:Steve Ditko] is a must for fans of the artist in particular and comic book history in general.
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Good history, great samples. Quick read if you're a comic buff, particularly either a horror comic buff or a marvel fanboy ;).